Tight briefs, red meat, varicose veins or stress? Which has been shown to actually reduce a man’s sperm count and lead to infertility?

Boxers or briefs? Many believe that the wrong answer to this question can lead to an increased risk of low sperm count or infertility. But are they right?

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Low sperm count is an uncomfortable subject for some men to discuss, which may be why so many urban legends have sprung up about its causes.

While many grow up hearing that drinking Mountain Dew or shunning boxers can create barriers to fatherhood later on, studies haven’t backed up those claims.

Meanwhile, a lesser-known condition that needs a doctor’s diagnosis often goes overlooked.

“The most common treatable cause of male factor infertility is called varicocele,” said Dr. Dan Williams, director of male reproductive medicine and surgery at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

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Tags : infertility, male, myths

Here are more common myths that couples worry about when trying to have a baby. We asked Heidi Murkoff, author of “What to Expect Before You’re Expecting” to sort out what’s true, and what’s not.

Myth: Does position matter when you’re trying to have a baby?

Murkoff: For the most part position doesn’t matter. What you have to keep in mind is that sperm are excellent swimmers if they’re healthy sperm and they are determined little men on a mission and their only mission is to reach destination egg and be the first one on the block to reach it. So you can get pregnant in just about any position in any kama sutra book or the latest issue of cosmo, might as well pick a position you enjoy, if you’re going to be doing it a lot, might as well have fun doing it.

Myth: Fertility challenges are most common in first-timers.

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Tags : Conception, infertility, myths

Trying to get pregnant can be a very stressful time for couples.

Many worry about infertility issues, and wonder about urban legends to increase their chances.

The author of the new book, “What to Expect Before You’re Expecting”, Heidi Murkoff, recently stopped by our studios to talk about common myths about fertility.

Myth: The longer it takes to get pregnant, the more likely you will have a boy.

Murkoff: This is actually true, and kind of ironic, because they always say that girls keep you waiting. But in fact it’s the boys that keep you waiting. And that’s because the longer it takes you to conceive the thicker your cervical mucus is, and boy sperm swim more effectively in those conditions than little girl sperm do.

Myth: Saliva is a fertility friendly lubricant.

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Tags : Conception, infertility, myths